ILLINOIS LEGISLATORS SUPPORT TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS

ILLINOIS LEGISLATORS SUPPORT TO LOCAL ORGANIZATIONSPremier Service Providers of Developmental Disabilities Host Legislative Breakfast forIllinois State Representatives and Senators. Representative Patti Bellock Special Guests.

LISLE, IL - FEBRUARY 2013 – Ray Graham Association, Little Friends, Easter Seals DuPage and the Fox Valley Region, and Pact, Inc. hosted a successful legislative breakfast facilitated by Representative Patti Bellock and Chris Nybo, attorney at Much Shelist. Early Monday morning members of the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate listened attentively as the premier service providers for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in this area described the issues they face.

Members of congress present included Senators Pat McGuire, Dan Kotowski, Thomas Cullerton, Linda Holmes, Michael Connelly, Christine Rodgno, Jim Oberweis, and Don Harmon and Representatives Sandy Pihos, Jim Durkin, Stephanie Kifowit, Ron Sandack, Darlen Senger, Jeanne Ives, Deborah O’Keefe-Conroy, Kathleen Willis, Linda Chapa LaVia, and Michelle Mussman. Many of those who attended, some who were only sworn in weeks ago, were surprised to hear that over $5 million is owed to the agencies collectively. These organizations are vital components of the communities they are in and provide services that house, educate and empower children and adults with disabilities.

Several key issues were discussed including the Affordable Care Act and costs of community based living versus state-operated developmental centers. Chris Nybo facilitated a Q&A session with the service provider organizations and the legislators. Families and self-advocates described their successes and struggles with the current procedures like PUNs list and Medicaid.

All in attendance agreed that several major issues affect people with disabilities in countless ways. The Senators and Representatives in attendance agreed to help and communicate with the organizations and their constituents on these issues.

For more information on Ray Graham Association, please call 630-620-2222 or visit us on the web at www.raygraham.org. For more information on Little Friends, please call 630-355-6533 or visit the website at www.littlefriendsinc.org